Nissan · SR Performance Four
Nissan SR20DET
The square-bore 2.0-liter turbo four that powered Silvia, 180SX and multiple Nissan performance platforms.
121.9
Cubic inches
The SR20DET became one of Nissan's most important tuner engines because it combined compact size, a stout iron block and excellent turbo response.
Displacement
121.9 ci
Bore
3.386"
Stroke
3.386"
Years
1989–2002 core production era
Key Takeaway
The SR20DET used a square 3.386 x 3.386-inch bore/stroke layout, cast-iron block, aluminum DOHC four-valve head, and turbocharging. Its compact size, strong bottom end, and balanced geometry made it especially well suited to lightweight rear-drive performance cars.
Technical Specifications
- Horsepower
- 220 PS @ 6,000 rpm in documented 1994 S14 Silvia K's specification; competition versions exceeded 320 PS
- Torque
- 274 Nm @ 4,800 rpm in documented 1994 S14 Silvia K's specification
- Architecture
- DOHC inline four
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Aluminum
- Valvetrain
- DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
- Aspiration
- Turbocharged
- Fuel delivery
- Electronic multi-point fuel injection
The SR20DET used a square 3.386 x 3.386-inch bore/stroke layout, cast-iron block, aluminum DOHC four-valve head, and turbocharging. Its compact size, strong bottom end, and balanced geometry made it especially well suited to lightweight rear-drive performance cars.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Notable Applications
Strengths
- Compact package
- Strong aftermarket
- Square bore/stroke
- Excellent turbo response
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Age and modification history vary widely
- Rocker-arm/valvetrain control matters at high rpm
- Oil and cooling systems must scale with power
Common Upgrades
- Modern turbocharger
- Fuel-system upgrade
- Standalone ECU
Racing History & Legacy
SR20DET-powered Silvias became staples of drifting and GT competition; Nissan's 1998 JGTC Silvia used an SR20DET making over 320 PS.
The SR20DET became one of Nissan’s most influential four-cylinder performance engines and remains a benchmark swap and tuning platform decades after production ended.
References & Image Credit
Engine image: TTTNIS · CC0 1.0 · source
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
2.0 L / 121.9 cu in with square 3.386 x 3.386-inch bore and stroke.
Cast-iron block with aluminum DOHC four-valve cylinder head.
Turbocharged with electronic multi-point fuel injection.
Documented S14 Silvia K's output: 220 PS and 274 Nm.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Nissan SR20DET
The SR20DET became one of Nissan’s most recognizable tuner engines because it combined strength, compact dimensions, and excellent turbo response. Its spread across Silvia, 180SX, and related platforms made it a global drifting and tuning staple.
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